Surf’s Up

Types of AA Meetings

12 Steps & 12 Traditions: Virginia offers a range of AA meetings rooted in the 12 Steps and Traditions. Meetings are for residents of all backgrounds including teens, young adults, seniors, veterans, members of the LGBTQ community and others. Meetings are open to individuals in recovery, family members, mentors, and others.

Big Book: AA programs in Virginia frequently use the Big Book to inspire participants. The Big Book contains stories about real people who overcame alcohol use disorder.

Discussion: In Virginia, AA discussion meetings are structured around a particular topic that relates to alcohol addiction and recovery. Leaders will typically share first, referencing an AA text such as the Big Book before sharing their personal reflections. Then, other members can talk about what the topic means to them.

Literature: Virginia AA literature meetings are support group meetings for men and women who are affected by alcohol addiction. These cost-free community meetings study the Big Book of AA and other recovery writings by AA founders and leaders as part of a 12-step addiction recovery program.

Open: In Virginia, open AA meetings are fully accessible to the public. Members may share their personal experiences with alcohol addiction and recovery while observers can listen and learn. These meetings are informational in nature, welcoming both alcoholics as well as anyone who wants to understand more about the program and its 12 step recovery model.

Step Meeting: AA groups in Virginia use step meetings as a central part of the 12 Step Program. Members come together to read from AA texts, discuss how those passages compare to their own experiences, and make recommendations for improvement as their recovery continues.

Wheelchair Access: Virginia AA centers may provide non-ambulatory clients wheelchair access to participate in meetings. Exterior ramps, designated parking, and open layouts enable safe navigation throughout the facility.